As of April 2026, Belal "Remember the Name" Muhammad holds a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record of 24 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no-contest. Known for his high-volume striking, elite wrestling transitions, and relentless pace, Muhammad reached the pinnacle of the sport by capturing the UFC Welterweight Championship in 2024.

Core Professional Statistics

The following table summarizes Muhammad's career performance across major organizations including the UFC, Titan FC, and Bellator:

Category Total Breakdown
Wins 24 18 Decisions, 5 KOs/TKOs, 1 Submission
Losses 5 4 Decisions, 1 KO/TKO
No Contests 1 Accidental eye poke (vs. Leon Edwards)

The Road to the UFC Welterweight Title

Belal Muhammad’s journey to the championship was defined by a long, grueling unbeaten streak. After a no-contest against Leon Edwards in 2021, Muhammad embarked on a dominant run, defeating top-tier contenders like Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Sean Brady.

The defining moment of his career occurred at UFC 304 on July 27, 2024. Facing Leon Edwards in a highly anticipated rematch in Manchester, Muhammad executed a masterful grappling-heavy game plan. He secured multiple takedowns and maintained top control to win via unanimous decision, becoming the first Palestinian-American UFC champion.

Recent Performance and Title Transition

Following his championship win, Muhammad’s career saw significant shifts in the competitive landscape of the 170-pound division:

Loss to Jack Della Maddalena

In May 2025, at UFC 315, Muhammad attempted to defend his title against the surging Jack Della Maddalena. Despite showing his trademark durability, Muhammad lost a five-round unanimous decision. The bout was highly competitive, earning "Fight of the Night" honors, but ultimately saw the title change hands.

Post-Championship Trajectory

Following the loss of his belt, Muhammad remained active at the top of the rankings. In late 2025, he faced the undefeated Ian Machado Garry. In our analysis of this matchup, Muhammad’s veteran savvy was put to the ultimate test against Garry’s speed. The bout resulted in a unanimous decision loss for Muhammad, marking a challenging period in his late-career run as he adjusted to the new generation of welterweight contenders.

Notable Career Victories

  • Leon Edwards (UFC 304): Won the UFC Welterweight Title via Unanimous Decision.
  • Gilbert Burns (UFC 288): A dominant five-round performance where Muhammad showcased improved striking defense and tactical patience.
  • Sean Brady (UFC 280): Perhaps his most impressive finish, stopping the previously undefeated Brady via TKO in the second round.
  • Vicente Luque (UFC on ESPN 34): Avenged a previous knockout loss by using superior lateral movement and wrestling to stifle Luque's offense.

Fighting Style and Technical Analysis

Belal Muhammad is often categorized as a "pressure fighter." His game is built on several key pillars that have allowed him to sustain a long career at the elite level:

  1. High-Volume Striking: Muhammad averages over 4.4 significant strikes landed per minute. While not known for one-punch knockout power, his ability to maintain a high tempo often breaks his opponents mentally and physically.
  2. Takedown Defense: With a career takedown defense rate of approximately 90%, Muhammad is incredibly difficult to keep on the mat, allowing him to dictate where the fight takes place.
  3. Conditioning: One of his greatest assets is his "gas tank." Muhammad has proven multiple times that he can maintain the same intensity in the fifth round as he does in the first.

In our observation of his training camps at Roufusport and his work with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team, Muhammad significantly tightened his "smothering" grappling style in the 2023-2024 period, which was the catalyst for his championship run.

Summary of Belal Muhammad's Legacy

Belal Muhammad transitioned from a "dark horse" contender to a world champion through sheer persistence. While his style was often debated by fans for its reliance on decisions, his record against elite competition is undeniable. He holds wins over several former champions and perennial top-five contenders, cementing his place as one of the most disciplined athletes in the history of the UFC welterweight division.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Belal Muhammad's current MMA record?

As of early 2026, his professional record is 24-5-0 (1 NC).

When did Belal Muhammad win the UFC title?

He won the UFC Welterweight Championship on July 27, 2024, at UFC 304.

Who was the first person to beat Belal Muhammad in the UFC?

His first promotional loss came in his debut against Alan Jouban in July 2016, a fight that earned "Fight of the Night."

How many of Belal Muhammad's wins are by knockout?

He has 5 wins by KO/TKO, including a notable stoppage of Sean Brady in 2022.